If you’re planning on taking a Yangtze River cruise, one of the first things you’ll need to know is where the journey begins. The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia, stretching over 6,300 kilometers from its source in the Tibetan Plateau to its mouth at the East China Sea. The cruise typically starts from one of two major cities: Chongqing or Yichang.
Chongqing
Chongqing is a sprawling metropolis located in southwestern China. It serves as a major transportation hub for the region and is often referred to as the “mountain city” due to its hilly landscape. If you’re starting your Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing, you’ll embark on your journey at Chaotianmen Port.
Chaotianmen Port is located at the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze rivers and has a long history dating back to ancient times. It’s a bustling port with numerous ships departing for various destinations along the Yangtze River. You’ll need to arrive at least an hour before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and boarding procedures.
Getting There
- By Air: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is located about 30 kilometers north of downtown Chongqing and serves numerous domestic and international flights.
- By Train: Chongqing Railway Station is located in central Chongqing and offers high-speed trains to major Chinese cities.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Chongqing with other cities in China.
Yichang
Yichang is a city located in central China’s Hubei Province. It’s known for its scenic beauty and serves as a gateway to the Three Gorges region of the Yangtze River. If you’re starting your Yangtze River cruise from Yichang, you’ll embark on your journey at Yichang Port.
Yichang Port is located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River in downtown Yichang. It’s a modern port with numerous ships departing for various destinations along the Yangtze River.
- By Air: Yichang Sanxia Airport is located about 26 kilometers west of downtown Yichang and serves mainly domestic flights.
- By Train: Yichang Railway Station is located in central Yichang and offers high-speed trains to major Chinese cities.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Yichang with other cities in China.
In Conclusion
Whether you start your Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing or Yichang, you’re in for a memorable journey through some of China’s most stunning landscapes. Make sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get to your departure port, so that you can relax and enjoy all that this mighty river has to offer.